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Australia Day in Perth 2018 | Fireworks, events and things to do

Gold and green are the colours to be seen in on this one day of the year. You with us?

Struth, there’s a lot going on in Perth this week. With green and gold being the colours of choice, it certainly is an Australian celebration – and it’s a big one too, featuring a massive fireworks display along the Swan River.

So if you're still scratching your head thinking "where will I be on Australia Day?" we know a few beaut places in Perth where you won’t be the only one wrapped in an Aussie flag. In fact, you'd stick out like a sore thumb if you weren't.

Australia Day Perth fireworks

Known as the City of Perth Skyworks and Laser Show, the Western Australian Australia Day fireworks display is all that and so much more.

Spectacular enough to rival Sydney’s famous New Year’s Eve fireworks extravaganza, Perth’s Skyworks and Laser Show is a marvel on the water. Last the city outdid itself by offering a huge six "experience zones" where you could catch the fireworks and vibrant lasers which can be seen from a kilometre away.

This year's spectacular is still hush-hush, but Perth doesn't do anything by halves so we're expecting a bigger, better and more spectacular pyrotechnics display. Stay tuned.

Australia Day events in Perth

Langley Park Entertainment Zone

For family-friendly entertainment from afternoon to night, head to Langley Park Entertainment Zone.

The official site of the City of Perth’s Australia Day celebrations is at Langley Park. Being right on the waterfront, it's also a prime spot for catching the city’s big fireworks display.

The entertainment zone opens from 3pm and features entertainment and activities for kids of all ages. This includes plenty of amusement rides and inflatables, a ferris wheel, bespoke Australia-themed maze with lookout tower to get your bearings, unicorn photo opportunities, climbing wall, motocross and BMX stunts and a handful of waterslides to cool your cockles on.

Then let's not forget about the mandatory big Aussie sausage sizzle!

Birak Concert

Celebrate with a display of indigenous performances.

Held in the Supreme Court Gardens, the traditional Birak Concert is a celebration of Australian and Torres Strait Islanders through dance, music, art and food.

Running from 3pm–7:30pm, it features free rides and a traditional welcome to the country.

South Perth Celebration Zone

With over 100 free activities for wide-eyed Aussies to get stuck into, boredom doesn't exist in the South Perth Celebration Zone.

The list here is long, so let's not beat around the bush. From 3pm through till 8:30pm, Sir James Mitchell Park in South Perth will entertain the masses with arts and crafts tents, puppeteers, storytellers, roving entertainers, giant tennis, inflatable horse racing, giant lawn games, a nerf zone and toddler lyre park all along the river.

We're getting tired just looking at the list of things to do – phew!

Australia Day Triathlon / Duathlon

Whether you’re in it to win it or are a proud spectator, the Australia Day Triathlon is not one to miss on 26 January. Part of the West Australian Summer Triathlon series, it's a family-friendly event with categories for all grades of athletes.

For those looking to swim, cycle and run, the triathlon events include junior, novice, fun and sprint categories. For those wishing to skip the swim, the duathlon is available in standard and sprint forms.

Entries close 21 January 2018.

Top free things to do on Australia Day in Perth

Crown Perth's Australia Day long weekend. Live and free entertainment will be running from 5:30pm until midnight.

Catch the 21-gun salute at Kings Park. Each year Kings Park hosts the 21-gun salute at noon from the State War Memorial and is also renowned for being a top location to see the Perth Skyshow. Entry is on a gold coin donation.

Crash another suburb's party. We mean this in the nicest way possible. Many of Perth’s major suburbs will be hosting their own Australia Day celebrations, so why not branch out and check out what talent and activities they've got to offer? Popular ones include Cottesloe and Armadale.

Get cultured. Australia Day is not just one big party – it’s a day to remember and celebrate Australia’s history and culture. Tap into the heart of Australia Day with a trip to one of Perth's many museums such as the Western Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of Western Australia.

Cool off at a water playground. January is one of Perth's hottest months and while you and your kids can stay at home with the air conditioner cranked up to the max, you could also take them out to cool their jets at one of the city’s many water playgrounds. Examples include Hyde Park Water Playground and Ellenbrook Water Playground.

Are shops open on Australia Day in Perth?

Here are the major shopping centres that will open for Australia Day and their trading hours:

Westfield Garden City: Open from 8am–6pm

Westfield Carousel: Open from 11am–5pm

Westfield Whitford City: Open from 11am–5pm

Karrinyup: Open from 8am–6pm

Claremont Quarter: Open from 8am-6pm. (May vary from store to store.)

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Stephanie is the travel editor at finder.com.au. On top of being an avid traveller, she's an all-round bargain hunter. If there's a deal on hotels or a sale on flights, she'll know about it. And she'll let you know about it, too. Though probably not before she buys her own ticket.

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